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What is employers’ liability insurance?
Employers' liability insurance is a type of coverage designed to protect businesses in the event that an employee experiences an illness or injury as a result of their work. This insurance ensures that employers can meet their legal obligations by covering the costs of legal defence and any compensation claims that might arise. For most businesses, employers are legally required to have this type of insurance.
| Accidents caused by defective tools or machinery | |
| Manual handling accidents | |
| Repetitive strain injuries | |
| Occupational diseases, such as occupational dermatitis or occupational asthma |
Why do I need employers’ liability insurance?
The purpose of employers' liability insurance is to safeguard both the business and its employees. For the business, it provides financial protection against potentially devastating legal costs and compensation payouts. For employees, it guarantees that they will receive financial support should they suffer from a work-related injury or illness.
Whether a company is large or small, employers' liability insurance is a vital aspect of risk management, contributing to the overall stability and security of the business. It reflects a commitment to employee welfare and compliance with legal standards.
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What employers’ liability insurance can cover?
Our employers’ liability insurance protects your business against claims made by employees if they are injured or become unwell as a result of the work they do for your business (please check your policy terms and conditions for full conditions), following:
What can be covered:
| Accidents caused by defective tools or machinery – such as an employee injuring themselves whilst operating a machine due to employers’ negligence | |
| Manual handling accidents – such as an employee injuring their back whilst lifting heavy goods at work resulting from inadequate training | |
| Repetitive strain injuries – such as an employee developing carpal tunnel syndrome by excessive computer use at their work station | |
| Occupational diseases – such as occupational dermatitis or occupational asthma |
What’s cannot be covered:
| Deliberate acts which cause injury or illness |
Who needs employers’ liability insurance?
The few who are exempt from requiring employers’ liability insurance include:
- Businesses that employ only their owner
- Family businesses where all employees are direct family members
- Businesses whose only employees are based abroad
- Certain public bodies
You should arrange employers’ liability insurance if you employ one or more employees.This includes a wide range of occupations such as:
Business consultants
Creative professionals
Architects
Marketing consultants
Fitness professionals
Accountants
Roofers
Scaffolders
Example policy documents
Below you will find an examples of the documents provided.
| Terms of business.pdf |
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Frequently asked questions
These frequently asked questions are designed to help you and include questions relating to policy cover, pricing and ‘technical’ terms.
Browse all FAQsYes, employers’ liability insurance is a legal requirement for most businesses within the UK.
Yes, employers’ liability insurance is tax deductible as it is considered an ‘allowable expense’.
Businesses in the UK without employers’ liability insurance could be fined up to £2,500 each day they remain uninsured.
An employer is legally required to either display their employers’ liability insurance certificate or make it easily accessible to their employees.
According to the Health and Safety Executive, 2024 saw 604,000 people sustain an injury at work.
Those exempt from requiring employers’ liability insurance include:
- Businesses that employ only their owner
- Family businesses where all employees are direct family members
- Businesses whose only employees are based abroad
- Certain public bodies
If you have any questions, contact one of our insurance experts, here.
Further reading for employers' liability insurance
